Multi-speed planetary transmission

ABSTRACT

A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include two clutches and four brakes. The four planetary gearsets may include three minus planetary gearsets and one plus planetary gearset or two minus planetary gearsets and two plus planetary gearsets. The multi-speed transmission may include at least one Ravigneaux gearset.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.15/278,288, filed Aug. 28, 2016, titled MULTI-SPEED PLANETARYTRANSMISSION, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a multi-speed transmission and inparticular to a multi-speed transmission including a plurality ofplanetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve atleast nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Multi-speed transmissions use a plurality of planetary gearsets,selective couplers, interconnectors, and additional elements to achievea plurality of forward and reverse speed ratios. Exemplary multi-speedtransmissions are disclosed in US Published Patent Application No.2016/0047440, Ser. No. 14/457,592, titled MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION,filed Aug. 12, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a multi-speed transmission including aplurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers toachieve at least nine forward speed ratios. The plurality of planetarygearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetarygearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. Theplurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and anumber of brakes. In one example, the present disclosure provides amulti-speed transmission having four planetary gearsets and sixselective couplers. The six selective couplers include two clutches andfour brakes. In another example, the present disclosure provides amulti-speed transmission having four planetary gearsets and sixselective couplers, wherein at least two of the four planetary gearsetsare minus planetary gearsets and at least one of the four planetarygearsets is a plus planetary gearset.

In some instances throughout this disclosure and in the claims, numericterminology, such as first, second, third, and fourth, is used inreference to various gearsets, gears, gearset components,interconnectors, selective couplers, and other components. Such use isnot intended to denote an ordering of the components. Rather, numericterminology is used to assist the reader in identifying the componentbeing referenced and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing aspecific order of components. For example, a first planetary gearsetidentified in the drawings may support any one of the plurality ofplanetary gearsets recited in the claims, including the first planetarygearset, the second planetary gearset, the third planetary gearset, andthe fourth planetary gearset, depending on the language of the claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, atransmission is provided. The transmission comprising at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member; and an output member operatively coupled tothe input member through the plurality of planetary gearsets androtatable relative to the at least one stationary member. Each of theplurality of planetary gearsets includes a first gearset component, asecond gearset component, and a third gearset component. The pluralityof planetary gearsets includes a first planetary gearset, a secondplanetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetarygearset. The input member is fixedly coupled to the first gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset. The transmission furthercomprising a first interconnector which fixedly couples the thirdgearset component of the first planetary gearset to the third gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset; a second interconnector whichfixedly couples the second gearset component of the first planetarygearset, the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset,and the third gearset component of the third planetary gearset together;a third interconnector which fixedly couples the second gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset to the fourth planetarygearset; and a plurality of selective couplers including a first numberof clutches and a second number of brakes, the second number beinggreater than the first number.

In another exemplary embodiment, a transmission is provided. Thetransmission comprising at least one stationary member; an input memberrotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality ofplanetary gearsets operatively coupled to the input member; and anoutput member operatively coupled to the input member through theplurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes afirst planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, and a thirdplanetary gearset. Each of the second planetary gearset and the thirdplanetary gearset includes a first gearset component, a second gearsetcomponent, and a third gearset component. The first planetary gearsetincludes a plurality of first gearset components, a second gearsetcomponent, and a third gearset component. The input member is fixedlycoupled to the first planetary gearset. The transmission furthercomprising a first interconnector which fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the first planetary gearset to the second planetarygearset; a second interconnector which fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset to the third planetarygearset; and a plurality of selective couplers including a first numberof clutches and a second number of brakes. The second number is greaterthan the first number.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a transmission is provided. Thetransmission comprising at least one stationary member; an input memberrotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality ofplanetary gearsets operatively coupled to the input member; and anoutput member operatively coupled to the input member through theplurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes afirst planetary gearset including a plurality of first gearsetcomponents, a second gearset component, and a third gearset componentand a second planetary gearset including a first gearset component, asecond gearset component, and a plurality of third gearset components.The transmission further comprising an interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset to afirst one of the plurality of the third gearset components of the secondplanetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplers including afirst number of clutches and a second number of brakes. The secondnumber is greater than the first number. The output member is fixedlycoupled to a second one of the plurality of the third gearset componentsof the second planetary gearset and the input member is fixedly coupledto the first planetary gearset.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a transmission is provided. Thetransmission comprising at least one stationary member; an input memberrotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality ofplanetary gearsets operatively coupled to the input member; and anoutput member operatively coupled to the input member through theplurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes afirst planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, and a thirdplanetary gearset. Each of the first planetary gearset and the secondplanetary gearset includes a first gearset component, a second gearsetcomponent, and a third gearset component. The third planetary gearsetincludes a first gearset component, a second gearset component, and aplurality of third gearset components. The input member is fixedlycoupled to the second planetary gearset. The transmission furthercomprises a first interconnector which fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset to a first one of theplurality of third gearset components of the third planetary gearset;and a plurality of selective couplers. The plurality of selectivecouplers include a first selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedlycouples the third gearset component of the first planetary gearset andthe third gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the atleast one stationary member; a second selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the first gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset to the first gearset component of the third planetarygearset; a third selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe first gearset component of the second planetary gearset to thesecond gearset component of the third planetary gearset; a fourthselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember; a fifth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe second gearset component of the first planetary gearset, the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset, and the first one ofthe plurality of third gearset components of the third planetary gearsetto the at least one stationary member; and a sixth selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of thethird planetary gearset to the at least one stationary member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand will be better understood by reference to the following descriptionof exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers;

FIG. 2 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of the sixselective couplers of FIG. 1 to provide nine forward gear or speedratios and a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmissionof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers;

FIG. 4 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of the sixselective couplers of FIG. 3 to provide nine forward gear or speedratios and a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmissionof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding a Ravigneaux gearset, a plurality of simple planetary gearsetsand six selective couplers; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding a plurality of Ravigneaux gearsets and six selective couplers.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustratedin the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosedbelow are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosureto the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilledin the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of thescope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Correspondingreference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the severalviews.

In the disclosed transmission embodiment, selective couplers aredisclosed. A selective coupler is a device which may be actuated tofixedly couple two or more components together. A selective couplerfixedly couples two or more components to rotate together as a unit whenthe selective coupler is in an engaged configuration. Further, the twoor more components may be rotatable relative to each other when theselective coupler is in a disengaged configuration. The terms “couples”,“coupled”, “coupler” and variations thereof are used to include botharrangements wherein the two or more components are in direct physicalcontact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not indirect contact with each other (e.g., the components are “coupled” viaat least a third component), but yet still cooperate or interact witheach other.

A first exemplary selective coupler is a clutch. A clutch couples two ormore rotating components to one another so that the two or more rotatingcomponents rotate together as a unit in an engaged configuration andpermits relative rotation between the two or more rotating components inthe disengaged position. Exemplary clutches may be shiftablefriction-locked multi-disk clutches, shiftable form-locking claw orconical clutches, wet clutches, or any other known form of a clutch.

A second exemplary selective coupler is a brake. A brake couples one ormore rotatable components to a stationary component to hold the one ormore rotatable components stationary relative to the stationarycomponent in the engaged configuration and permits rotation of the oneor more components relative to the stationary component in thedisengaged configuration. Exemplary brakes may be configured asshiftable-friction-locked disk brakes, shiftable friction-locked bandbrakes, shiftable form-locking claw or conical brakes, or any otherknown form of a brake.

Selective couplers may be actively controlled devices or passivedevices. Exemplary actively controlled devices include hydraulicallyactuated clutch or brake elements and electrically actuated clutch orbrake elements. Additional details regarding systems and methods forcontrolling selective couplers are disclosed in the above-incorporatedUS Published Patent Application No. 2016/0047440.

In addition to coupling through selective couplers, various componentsof the disclosed transmission embodiments may be fixedly coupledtogether continuously throughout the operation of the disclosedtransmissions. Components may be fixedly coupled together eitherpermanently or removably. Components may be fixedly coupled togetherthrough spline connections, press fitting, fasteners, welding, machinedor formed functional portions of a unitary piece, or other suitablemethods of connecting components.

The disclosed transmission embodiments include a plurality of planetarygearsets. Each planetary gearset includes at least four components: asun gear; a ring gear; a plurality of planet gears; and a carrier thatis rotatably coupled to and carries the planet gears. In the case of asimple planetary gearset, the teeth of the sun gear are intermeshed withthe teeth of the planet gears which are in turn engaged with the teethof the ring gear. Each of these components may also be referred to as agearset component. A simple planetary gearset is one example of a minusplanetary gearset. A minus planetary gearset is a planetary gearsetwherein, when the planet carrier is held stationary, the ring gearrotates in the opposite direction of the sun gear.

It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that some planetarygearsets may include further components than those explicitlyidentified. For example, one or more of the planetary gearsets mayinclude two sets of planet gears. A first set of planet gears mayintermesh with the sun gear while the second set of planet gearsintermesh with the first set of planet gears and the ring gear. Bothsets of planet gears are carried by the planet carrier. This arrangementis one example of a plus planetary gearset and may be referred to as anidler planetary gearset. A plus planetary gearset is a planetary gearsetwherein, when the planet carrier is held stationary, the ring gearrotates in the same direction as the sun gear.

One or more rotating components, such as shafts, drums, and othercomponents, may be collectively referred to as an interconnector whenthe one or more components are fixedly coupled together. Interconnectorsmay further be fixedly coupled to one or more gearset components and/orone or more selective couplers.

An input member of the disclosed transmission embodiments is rotated bya prime mover. Exemplary prime movers include internal combustionengines, electric motors, hybrid power systems, and other suitable powersystems. In one embodiment, the prime mover indirectly rotates the inputmember through a clutch and/or a torque converter. An output member ofthe disclosed transmission embodiments provides rotational power to oneor more working components. Exemplary working components include one ormore drive wheels of a motor vehicle, a power take-off shaft, and othersuitable devices. The output member is rotated based on theinterconnections of the gearset components and the selective couplers ofthe transmission. By changing the interconnections of the gearsetcomponents and the selective couplers, a rotation speed of the outputmember may be varied from a rotation speed of the input member.

The illustrated transmission embodiments are capable of transferringtorque from the input member to the output member and rotating theoutput member in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios relative tothe input member and one reverse gear or speed ratio wherein therotation direction of the output member is reversed relative to itsrotation direction for the at least nine forward ratios. Exemplary gearratios that may be obtained using the illustrated embodiment of thepresent disclosure are disclosed herein. Of course, other gear ratiosare achievable depending on the characteristics of the gearsetsutilized. Exemplary characteristics include respective gear diameters,the number of gear teeth, and the configurations of the various gears.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission100. Multi-speed transmission 100 includes an input member 102 and anoutput member 104. Each of input member 102 and output member 104 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 106. An exemplaryinput member 102 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 104 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 106 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 100. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 100 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 108, a second planetary gearset110, a third planetary gearset 112, and a fourth planetary gearset 114.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included. In theillustrated embodiment, multi-speed transmission 100 includes threeminus planetary gearsets 108, 112, and 114 and one plus planetarygearset 110. Further, although first planetary gearset 108, thirdplanetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset 114 are illustratedas minus planetary gearsets, it is contemplated that one or more may beplus planetary gearsets. Additionally, second planetary gearset 110 maybe a minus planetary gearset instead of a plus planetary gearset.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 100 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 1, with first planetary gearset 108 positionedbetween a first location or end 116 at which input member 102 entersstationary member 106 and second planetary gearset 110, second planetarygearset 110 is positioned between first planetary gearset 108 and thirdplanetary gearset 112, third planetary gearset 112 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 110 and fourth planetary gearset 114, andfourth planetary gearset 114 is positioned between third planetarygearset 112 and a second location or end 118 at which output member 104exits stationary member 106. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 108, second planetary gearset 110, third planetary gearset 112,and fourth planetary gearset 114 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 116 and location 118. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1,each of first planetary gearset 108, second planetary gearset 110, thirdplanetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset 114 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 102 and output member 104 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 108, second planetarygearset 110, third planetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset114. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 102, outputmember 104, first planetary gearset 108, second planetary gearset 110,third planetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset 114 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 108 includes a sun gear 120, a planet carrier122 supporting a plurality of planet gears 124, and a ring gear 126.Second planetary gearset 110 includes a sun gear 130, a planet carrier134 supporting a first plurality of planet gears 131 and a secondplurality of planet gears 133, and a ring gear 136. The first pluralityof planet gears 131 intermesh with sun gear 130. The second plurality ofplanet gears 133 intermesh with the first plurality of planet gears 131and ring gear 136. Third planetary gearset 112 includes a sun gear 140,a planet carrier 142 supporting a plurality of planet gears 144, and aring gear 146. Fourth planetary gearset 114 includes a sun gear 150, aplanet carrier 152 supporting a plurality of planet gears 154, and aring gear 156.

Multi-speed transmission 100 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 162, a secondselective coupler 164, a third selective coupler 166, a fourth selectivecoupler 168, a fifth selective coupler 170, and a sixth selectivecoupler 172. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 162,fourth selective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixthselective coupler 172 are brakes and second selective coupler 164 andthird selective coupler 166 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 100 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 102is fixedly coupled to sun gear 130 of second planetary gearset 110,second selective coupler 164, and third selective coupler 166. Outputmember 104 is fixedly coupled to planet carrier 152 of fourth planetarygearset 114. Ring gear 126 of first planetary gearset 108, ring gear 136of second planetary gearset 110, and first selective coupler 162 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 122 of first planetary gearset108, planet carrier 134 of second planetary gearset 110, ring gear 146of third planetary gearset 112, and fifth selective coupler 170 arefixedly coupled together. Sun gear 120 of first planetary gearset 108 isfixedly coupled to fourth selective coupler 168. Planet carrier 142 ofthird planetary gearset 112, ring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset114, third selective coupler 166, and sixth selective coupler 172 arefixedly coupled together. Sun gear 140 of third planetary gearset 112,sun gear 150 of fourth planetary gearset 114, and second selectivecoupler 164 are fixedly coupled together. In alternative embodiments,one or more of the components fixedly coupled together are selectivelycoupled together through one or more selective couplers.

Multi-speed transmission 100 may be described as having seveninterconnectors. Input member 102 is a first interconnector which bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 100 and fixedlycouples sun gear 130 of second planetary gearset 110, second selectivecoupler 164, and third selective coupler 166 together. Output member 104is a second interconnector which both provides output torque frommulti-speed transmission 100 and is fixedly coupled to planet carrier152 of fourth planetary gearset 114. A third interconnector 180 fixedlycouples ring gear 126 of first planetary gearset 108, ring gear 136 ofsecond planetary gearset 110, and first selective coupler 162 together.A fourth interconnector 182 fixedly couples planet carrier 122 of firstplanetary gearset 108, planet carrier 134 of second planetary gearset110, ring gear 146 of third planetary gearset 112, and fifth selectivecoupler 170 together. A fifth interconnector 184 fixedly couples sungear 120 of first planetary gearset 108 to fourth selective coupler 168.A sixth interconnector 186 fixedly couples planet carrier 142 of thirdplanetary gearset 112, ring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset 114,third selective coupler 166, and sixth selective coupler 172 together. Aseventh interconnector 188 fixedly couples sun gear 140 of thirdplanetary gearset 112, sun gear 150 of fourth planetary gearset 114, andsecond selective coupler 164 together.

Multi-speed transmission 100 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 162, when engaged, fixedlycouples ring gear 126 of first planetary gearset 108 and ring gear 136of second planetary gearset 110 to stationary member 106. When firstselective coupler 162 is disengaged, ring gear 126 of first planetarygearset 108 and ring gear 136 of second planetary gearset 110 may rotaterelative to stationary member 106.

Second selective coupler 164, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 130of second planetary gearset 110 to sun gear 140 of third planetarygearset 112 and sun gear 150 of fourth planetary gearset 114. Whensecond selective coupler 164 is disengaged, sun gear 130 of secondplanetary gearset 110 may rotate relative to sun gear 140 of thirdplanetary gearset 112 and sun gear 150 of fourth planetary gearset 114.

Third selective coupler 166, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 130of second planetary gearset 110 to planet carrier 142 of third planetarygearset 112 and ring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset 114. Whenthird selective coupler 166 is disengaged, sun gear 130 of secondplanetary gearset 110 may rotate relative to planet carrier 142 of thirdplanetary gearset 112 and ring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset 114.

Fourth selective coupler 168, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 120of first planetary gearset 108 to stationary member 106. When fourthselective coupler 168 is disengaged, sun gear 120 of first planetarygearset 108 may rotate relative to stationary member 106.

Fifth selective coupler 170, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 146of third planetary gearset 112, planet carrier 134 of second planetarygearset 110, and planet carrier 122 of first planetary gearset 108 tostationary member 106. When fifth selective coupler 170 is disengaged,ring gear 146 of third planetary gearset 112, planet carrier 134 ofsecond planetary gearset 110, and planet carrier 122 of first planetarygearset 108 may rotate relative to stationary member 106.

Sixth selective coupler 172, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 156of fourth planetary gearset 114 and planet carrier 142 of thirdplanetary gearset 112 to stationary member 106. When sixth selectivecoupler 172 is disengaged, ring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset 114and planet carrier 142 of third planetary gearset 112 may rotaterelative to stationary member 106.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 162, secondselective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, fourth selectivecoupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler172, additional components of multi-speed transmission 100 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 100 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 102 to outputmember 104 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary truth table 200is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 162,second selective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, fourthselective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixth selectivecoupler 172 for nine different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 100. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-9^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 102 andthe output member 104. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers162-172 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 162-172 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG. 2is only one example of any number of truth tables possible for achievingat least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 2, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having fourth selective coupler 168 and sixth selectivecoupler 172 in an engaged configuration and first selective coupler 162,second selective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, and fifthselective coupler 170 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 100 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 162, second selective coupler 164,third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168, fifthselective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler 172 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 162,second selective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, fourthselective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixth selectivecoupler 172 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 162, second selective coupler164, third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168, fifthselective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler 172 does not transmittorque from input member 102 to output member 104.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 200 of FIG. 2 isachieved by having first selective coupler 162 and sixth selectivecoupler 172 in an engaged configuration and second selective coupler164, third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168, andfifth selective coupler 170 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164 and sixthselective coupler 172 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 162, third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168,and fifth selective coupler 170 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, first selective coupler 162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 164 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having first selective coupler 162 and secondselective coupler 164 in an engaged configuration and third selectivecoupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164 and fifthselective coupler 170 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 162, third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, first selective coupler 162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 170 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164 and fourthselective coupler 168 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 162, third selective coupler 166, fifth selective coupler 170,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 170 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 168 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164 and thirdselective coupler 166 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 162, fourth selective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 168 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 166 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having third selective coupler 166 and fourthselective coupler 168 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 162, second selective coupler 164, fifth selective coupler 170,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, second selective coupler 164 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 168 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having third selective coupler 166 and fifthselective coupler 170 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 162, second selective coupler 164, fourth selective coupler 168,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 168 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 170 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having first selective coupler 162 and thirdselective coupler 166 in an engaged configuration and second selectivecoupler 164, fourth selective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170,and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 170 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission300. Multi-speed transmission 300 includes an input member 302 and anoutput member 304. Each of input member 302 and output member 304 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 306. An exemplaryinput member 302 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 304 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 306 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 300. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 300 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 308, a second planetary gearset310, a third planetary gearset 312, and a fourth planetary gearset 314.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included. In theillustrated embodiment, multi-speed transmission 300 includes two minusplanetary gearsets 308 and 312 and two plus planetary gearsets 310 and314. Further, although first planetary gearset 308 and third planetarygearset 312 are illustrated as minus planetary gearsets, it iscontemplated that one or more may be plus planetary gearsets.Additionally, one or more of second planetary gearset 310 and fourthplanetary gearset 314 may be a minus planetary gearset instead of a plusplanetary gearset.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 300 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 3, with first planetary gearset 308 positionedbetween a first location or end 316 at which input member 302 entersstationary member 306 and second planetary gearset 310, second planetarygearset 310 is positioned between first planetary gearset 308 and thirdplanetary gearset 312, third planetary gearset 312 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 310 and fourth planetary gearset 314, andfourth planetary gearset 314 is positioned between third planetarygearset 312 and a second location or end 318 at which output member 304exits stationary member 306. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 308, second planetary gearset 310, third planetary gearset 312,and fourth planetary gearset 314 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 316 and location 318. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3,each of first planetary gearset 308, second planetary gearset 310, thirdplanetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset 314 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 302 and output member 304 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 308, second planetarygearset 310, third planetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset314. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 302, outputmember 304, first planetary gearset 308, second planetary gearset 310,third planetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset 314 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 308 includes a sun gear 320, a planet carrier322 supporting a plurality of planet gears 324, and a ring gear 326.Second planetary gearset 310 includes a sun gear 330, a planet carrier334 supporting a first plurality of planet gears 331 and a secondplurality of planet gears 333, and a ring gear 336. The first pluralityof planet gears 331 intermesh with sun gear 330. The second plurality ofplanet gears 333 intermesh with the first plurality of planet gears 331and ring gear 336. Third planetary gearset 312 includes a sun gear 340,a planet carrier 342 supporting a plurality of planet gears 344, and aring gear 346. Fourth planetary gearset 314 includes a sun gear 350, aplanet carrier 354 supporting a first plurality of planet gears 351 anda second plurality of planet gears 353, and a ring gear 356. The firstplurality of planet gears 351 intermesh with sun gear 350. The secondplurality of planet gears 353 intermesh with the first plurality ofplanet gears 351 and ring gear 356.

Multi-speed transmission 300 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 362, a secondselective coupler 364, a third selective coupler 366, a fourth selectivecoupler 368, a fifth selective coupler 370, and a sixth selectivecoupler 372. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 362,fourth selective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixthselective coupler 372 are brakes and second selective coupler 364 andthird selective coupler 366 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 300 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 302is fixedly coupled to sun gear 330 of second planetary gearset 310,second selective coupler 364, and third selective coupler 366. Outputmember 304 is fixedly coupled to ring gear 356 of fourth planetarygearset 314. Ring gear 326 of first planetary gearset 308, ring gear 336of second planetary gearset 310, and first selective coupler 362 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 322 of first planetary gearset308, planet carrier 334 of second planetary gearset 310, ring gear 346of third planetary gearset 312, and fifth selective coupler 370 arefixedly coupled together. Sun gear 320 of first planetary gearset 308 isfixedly coupled to fourth selective coupler 368. Planet carrier 342 ofthird planetary gearset 312, planet carrier 354 of fourth planetarygearset 314, third selective coupler 366, and sixth selective coupler372 are fixedly coupled together. Sun gear 340 of third planetarygearset 312, sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset 314, and secondselective coupler 364 are fixedly coupled together. In alternativeembodiments, one or more of the components fixedly coupled together areselectively coupled together through one or more selective couplers.

Multi-speed transmission 300 may be described as having seveninterconnectors. Input member 302 is a first interconnector which bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 300 and fixedlycouples sun gear 330 of second planetary gearset 310, second selectivecoupler 364, and third selective coupler 366 together. Output member 304is a second interconnector which both provides output torque frommulti-speed transmission 300 and is fixedly coupled to ring gear 356 offourth planetary gearset 314. A third interconnector 380 fixedly couplesring gear 326 of first planetary gearset 308, ring gear 336 of secondplanetary gearset 310, and first selective coupler 362 together. Afourth interconnector 382 fixedly couples planet carrier 322 of firstplanetary gearset 308, planet carrier 334 of second planetary gearset310, ring gear 346 of third planetary gearset 312, and fifth selectivecoupler 370 together. A fifth interconnector 384 fixedly couples sungear 320 of first planetary gearset 308 to fourth selective coupler 368.A sixth interconnector 386 fixedly couples planet carrier 342 of thirdplanetary gearset 312, planet carrier 354 of fourth planetary gearset314, third selective coupler 366, and sixth selective coupler 372together. A seventh interconnector 388 fixedly couples sun gear 340 ofthird planetary gearset 312, sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset314, and second selective coupler 364 together.

Multi-speed transmission 300 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 362, when engaged, fixedlycouples ring gear 326 of first planetary gearset 308 and ring gear 336of second planetary gearset 310 to stationary member 306. When firstselective coupler 362 is disengaged, ring gear 326 of first planetarygearset 308 and ring gear 336 of second planetary gearset 310 may rotaterelative to stationary member 306.

Second selective coupler 364, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 330of second planetary gearset 310 to sun gear 340 of third planetarygearset 312 and sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset 314. Whensecond selective coupler 364 is disengaged, sun gear 330 of secondplanetary gearset 310 may rotate relative to sun gear 340 of thirdplanetary gearset 312 and sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset 314.

Third selective coupler 366, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 330of second planetary gearset 310 to planet carrier 342 of third planetarygearset 312 and planet carrier 354 of fourth planetary gearset 314. Whenthird selective coupler 366 is disengaged, sun gear 330 of secondplanetary gearset 310 may rotate relative to planet carrier 342 of thirdplanetary gearset 312 and planet carrier 354 of fourth planetary gearset314.

Fourth selective coupler 368, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 320of first planetary gearset 308 to stationary member 306. When fourthselective coupler 368 is disengaged, sun gear 320 of first planetarygearset 308 may rotate relative to stationary member 306.

Fifth selective coupler 370, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 346of third planetary gearset 312, planet carrier 334 of second planetarygearset 310, and planet carrier 322 of first planetary gearset 308 tostationary member 306. When fifth selective coupler 370 is disengaged,ring gear 346 of third planetary gearset 312, planet carrier 334 ofsecond planetary gearset 310, and planet carrier 322 of first planetarygearset 308 may rotate relative to stationary member 306.

Sixth selective coupler 372, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 354 of fourth planetary gearset 314 and planet carrier 342 ofthird planetary gearset 312 to stationary member 306. When sixthselective coupler 372 is disengaged, planet carrier 354 of fourthplanetary gearset 314 and planet carrier 342 of third planetary gearset312 may rotate relative to stationary member 306.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 362, secondselective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, fourth selectivecoupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler372, additional components of multi-speed transmission 300 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 300 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 302 to outputmember 304 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary truth table 400is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 362,second selective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, fourthselective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixth selectivecoupler 372 for nine different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 300. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-9^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 302 andthe output member 304. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers362-372 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 362-372 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG. 4is only one example of any number of truth tables possible for achievingat least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 4, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having fourth selective coupler 368 and sixth selectivecoupler 372 in an engaged configuration and first selective coupler 362,second selective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, and fifthselective coupler 370 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 300 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler 364,third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 362,second selective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, fourthselective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixth selectivecoupler 372 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler364, third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 does not transmittorque from input member 302 to output member 304.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 400 of FIG. 4 isachieved by having first selective coupler 362 and sixth selectivecoupler 372 in an engaged configuration and second selective coupler364, third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368, andfifth selective coupler 370 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having second selective coupler 364 and sixthselective coupler 372 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 362, third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368,and fifth selective coupler 370 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, first selective coupler 362 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 364 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having first selective coupler 362 and secondselective coupler 364 in an engaged configuration and third selectivecoupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 372 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 362 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having second selective coupler 364 and fifthselective coupler 370 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 362, third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, first selective coupler 362 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 370 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having second selective coupler 364 and fourthselective coupler 368 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 362, third selective coupler 366, fifth selective coupler 370,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 368 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having second selective coupler 364 and thirdselective coupler 366 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 362, fourth selective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 366 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having third selective coupler 366 and fourthselective coupler 368 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 362, second selective coupler 364, fifth selective coupler 370,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, second selective coupler 364 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 368 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having third selective coupler 366 and fifthselective coupler 370 in an engaged configuration and first selectivecoupler 362, second selective coupler 364, fourth selective coupler 368,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 370 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having first selective coupler 362 and thirdselective coupler 366 in an engaged configuration and second selectivecoupler 364, fourth selective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370,and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 362 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission500. Multi-speed transmission 500 includes an input member 502 and anoutput member 504. Each of input member 502 and output member 504 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 506. An exemplaryinput member 502 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 504 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 506 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 500. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 500 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 508, a second planetary gearset512, and a third planetary gearset 514. In one embodiment, additionalplanetary gearsets may be included. In the illustrated embodiment,multi-speed transmission 500 includes one compound gearset 508 and twosimple gearsets 512 and 514. In the illustrated embodiment, firstplanetary gearset 508 is a Ravigneaux gearset.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 500 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 1, with first planetary gearset 508 positionedbetween a first location or end 516 at which input member 502 entersstationary member 506 and second planetary gearset 512, second planetarygearset 512 is positioned between first planetary gearset 508 and thirdplanetary gearset 514, and third planetary gearset 514 is positionedbetween second planetary gearset 512 and a second location or end 518 atwhich output member 504 exits stationary member 506. In alternativeembodiments, first planetary gearset 508, second planetary gearset 512,and third planetary gearset 514 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 516 and location 518. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5,each of second planetary gearset 512 and third planetary gearset 514 areaxially aligned. In one example, input member 502 and output member 504are also axially aligned with second planetary gearset 512 and thirdplanetary gearset 514. In alternative embodiments, one or more of inputmember 502, output member 504, first planetary gearset 508, secondplanetary gearset 512 and third planetary gearset 514 are offset and notaxially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 508 includes a first sun gear 520, a second sungear 530, a planet carrier 534 supporting a first plurality of planetgears 531 and a second plurality of planet gears 533, and a ring gear536. The first plurality of planet gears 531 intermesh with sun gear530. The second plurality of planet gears 533 intermesh with the firstplurality of planet gears 531, ring gear 536, and first sun gear 520.Second planetary gearset 512 includes a sun gear 540, a planet carrier542 supporting a plurality of planet gears 544, and a ring gear 546.Third planetary gearset 514 includes a sun gear 550, a planet carrier552 supporting a plurality of planet gears 554, and a ring gear 556.

Multi-speed transmission 500 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 562, a secondselective coupler 564, a third selective coupler 566, a fourth selectivecoupler 568, a fifth selective coupler 570, and a sixth selectivecoupler 572. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 562,fourth selective coupler 568, fifth selective coupler 570, and sixthselective coupler 572 are brakes and second selective coupler 564 andthird selective coupler 566 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 500 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 502is fixedly coupled to sun gear 530 of first planetary gearset 508,second selective coupler 564, and third selective coupler 566. Outputmember 504 is fixedly coupled to planet carrier 552 of third planetarygearset 514. Ring gear 536 of first planetary gearset 508 and firstselective coupler 562 are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 534of first planetary gearset 508, ring gear 546 of second planetarygearset 512, and fifth selective coupler 570 are fixedly coupledtogether. Sun gear 520 of first planetary gearset 508 is fixedly coupledto fourth selective coupler 568. Planet carrier 542 of second planetarygearset 512, ring gear 556 of third planetary gearset 514, thirdselective coupler 566, and sixth selective coupler 572 are fixedlycoupled together. Sun gear 540 of second planetary gearset 512, sun gear550 of third planetary gearset 514, and second selective coupler 564 arefixedly coupled together. In alternative embodiments, one or more of thecomponents fixedly coupled together are selectively coupled togetherthrough one or more selective couplers.

Multi-speed transmission 500 may be described as having seveninterconnectors. Input member 502 is a first interconnector which bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 500 and fixedlycouples sun gear 530 of first planetary gearset 508, second selectivecoupler 564, and third selective coupler 566 together. Output member 504is a second interconnector provides output torque from multi-speedtransmission 500 and is fixedly coupled to planet carrier 552 of thirdplanetary gearset 514. A third interconnector 580 fixedly couples ringgear 536 of first planetary gearset 508 and first selective coupler 562together. A fourth interconnector 582 fixedly couples planet carrier 534of first planetary gearset 508, ring gear 546 of second planetarygearset 512, and fifth selective coupler 570 together. A fifthinterconnector 584 fixedly couples sun gear 520 of first planetarygearset 508 to fourth selective coupler 568. A sixth interconnector 586fixedly couples planet carrier 542 of second planetary gearset 512, ringgear 556 of third planetary gearset 514, third selective coupler 566,and sixth selective coupler 572 together. A seventh interconnector 588fixedly couples sun gear 540 of second planetary gearset 512, sun gear550 of third planetary gearset 514, and second selective coupler 564together.

Multi-speed transmission 500 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 562, when engaged, fixedlycouples ring gear 536 of first planetary gearset 508 to stationarymember 506. When first selective coupler 562 is disengaged, ring gear536 of first planetary gearset 508 may rotate relative to stationarymember 506.

Second selective coupler 564, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 530of first planetary gearset 508 to sun gear 540 of second planetarygearset 512 and sun gear 550 of third planetary gearset 514. When secondselective coupler 564 is disengaged, sun gear 530 of first planetarygearset 508 may rotate relative to sun gear 540 of second planetarygearset 512 and sun gear 550 of third planetary gearset 514.

Third selective coupler 566, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 530of first planetary gearset 508 to planet carrier 542 of second planetarygearset 512 and ring gear 556 of third planetary gearset 514. When thirdselective coupler 566 is disengaged, sun gear 530 of first planetarygearset 508 may rotate relative to planet carrier 542 of secondplanetary gearset 512 and ring gear 556 of third planetary gearset 514.

Fourth selective coupler 568, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 520of first planetary gearset 508 to stationary member 506. When fourthselective coupler 568 is disengaged, sun gear 520 of first planetarygearset 508 may rotate relative to stationary member 506.

Fifth selective coupler 570, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 546of second planetary gearset 512 and planet carrier 534 of firstplanetary gearset 508 to stationary member 506. When fifth selectivecoupler 570 is disengaged, ring gear 546 of second planetary gearset 512and planet carrier 534 of first planetary gearset 508 may rotaterelative to stationary member 506.

Sixth selective coupler 572, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 556of third planetary gearset 514 and planet carrier 542 of secondplanetary gearset 512 to stationary member 506. When sixth selectivecoupler 572 is disengaged, ring gear 556 of third planetary gearset 514and planet carrier 542 of second planetary gearset 512 may rotaterelative to stationary member 506.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 562, secondselective coupler 564, third selective coupler 566, fourth selectivecoupler 568, fifth selective coupler 570, and sixth selective coupler572, additional components of multi-speed transmission 500 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 500 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 502 to outputmember 504 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Multi-speed transmission 500, like multi-speedtransmission 100, is able to provide the nine forward gears and onereverse gear illustrated in FIG. 2 through the selective engagement offirst selective coupler 562 (corresponds to first selective coupler 162in FIG. 2), second selective coupler 564 (corresponds to secondselective coupler 164 in FIG. 2), third selective coupler 566(corresponds to third selective coupler 166 in FIG. 2), fourth selectivecoupler 568 (corresponds to fourth selective coupler 168 in FIG. 2),fifth selective coupler 570 (corresponds to fifth selective coupler 170in FIG. 2), and sixth selective coupler 572 (corresponds to sixthselective coupler 172 in FIG. 2).

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission700. Multi-speed transmission 700 includes an input member 702 and anoutput member 704. Each of input member 702 and output member 704 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 706. An exemplaryinput member 702 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 704 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 706 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 700. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 700 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 708 and a second planetarygearset 712. In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may beincluded. In the illustrated embodiment, multi-speed transmission 700includes two compound gearsets 708 and 712. In one embodiment, firstplanetary gearset 708 is replaced with first planetary gearset 308 andsecond planetary gearset 310 resulting in multi-speed transmission 700including a compound gearset 712 and two simple gearsets 308 and 310. Inthis embodiment, interconnectors 702, 782, and 784 (discussed below)would connect to planetary gearsets 308 and 310 in the same manner asinterconnectors 302, 382, and 384, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, first planetary gearset 708 and second planetary gearset 712are both Ravigneaux gearsets.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 700 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 6, with first planetary gearset 708 positionedbetween a first location or end 716 at which input member 702 entersstationary member 706 and second planetary gearset 712 and secondplanetary gearset 712 is positioned between first planetary gearset 708and a second location or end 718 at which output member 704 exitsstationary member 706. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 708 and second planetary gearset 712 are arranged in any orderrelative to location 716 and location 718. In one embodiment, one ormore of input member 702, output member 704, first planetary gearset 708and second planetary gearset 712 are axially aligned. In one embodiment,one or more of input member 702, output member 704, first planetarygearset 708 and second planetary gearset 712 are offset and not axiallyaligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 708 includes a first sun gear 720, a second sungear 730, a planet carrier 734 supporting a first plurality of planetgears 731 and a second plurality of planet gears 733, and a ring gear736. The first plurality of planet gears 731 intermesh with sun gear730. The second plurality of planet gears 733 intermesh with the firstplurality of planet gears 731, ring gear 736, and first sun gear 720.Second planetary gearset 712 includes a sun gear 750, a planet carrier754 supporting a first plurality of planet gears 751 and a secondplurality of planet gears 753, a first ring gear 746, and a second ringgear 756. The first plurality of planet gears 751 intermesh with sungear 750 and ring gear 746. The second plurality of planet gears 753intermesh with the first plurality of planet gears 751 land ring gear756.

Multi-speed transmission 700 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 762, a secondselective coupler 764, a third selective coupler 766, a fourth selectivecoupler 768, a fifth selective coupler 770, and a sixth selectivecoupler 772. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 762,fourth selective coupler 768, fifth selective coupler 770, and sixthselective coupler 772 are brakes and second selective coupler 764 andthird selective coupler 766 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 700 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 702is fixedly coupled to sun gear 730 of first planetary gearset 708,second selective coupler 764, and third selective coupler 766. Outputmember 704 is fixedly coupled to ring gear 756 of second planetarygearset 712. Ring gear 736 of first planetary gearset 708 and firstselective coupler 762 are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 734of first planetary gearset 708, ring gear 746 of second planetarygearset 712, and fifth selective coupler 770 are fixedly coupledtogether. Sun gear 720 of first planetary gearset 708 is fixedly coupledto fourth selective coupler 768. Planet carrier 754 of second planetarygearset 712, third selective coupler 766, and sixth selective coupler772 are fixedly coupled together. Sun gear 750 of second planetarygearset 712 and second selective coupler 764 are fixedly coupledtogether. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the componentsfixedly coupled together are selectively coupled together through one ormore selective couplers.

Multi-speed transmission 700 may be described as having seveninterconnectors. Input member 702 is a first interconnector which bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 700 and fixedlycouples sun gear 730 of first planetary gearset 708, second selectivecoupler 764, and third selective coupler 766 together. Output member 704is a second interconnector provides output torque from multi-speedtransmission 700 and is fixedly coupled to ring gear 756 of secondplanetary gearset 712. A third interconnector 780 fixedly couples ringgear 736 of first planetary gearset 708 and first selective coupler 762together. A fourth interconnector 782 fixedly couples planet carrier 734of first planetary gearset 708, ring gear 746 of second planetarygearset 712, and fifth selective coupler 770 together. A fifthinterconnector 784 fixedly couples sun gear 720 of first planetarygearset 708 to fourth selective coupler 768. A sixth interconnector 786fixedly couples planet carrier 754 of second planetary gearset 712,third selective coupler 766, and sixth selective coupler 772 together. Aseventh interconnector 788 fixedly couples sun gear 750 of secondplanetary gearset 712 and second selective coupler 764 together.

Multi-speed transmission 700 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 762, when engaged, fixedlycouples ring gear 736 of first planetary gearset 708 to stationarymember 706. When first selective coupler 762 is disengaged, ring gear736 of first planetary gearset 708 may rotate relative to stationarymember 706.

Second selective coupler 764, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 730of first planetary gearset 708 to sun gear 750 of second planetarygearset 712. When second selective coupler 764 is disengaged, sun gear730 of first planetary gearset 708 may rotate relative to sun gear 750of second planetary gearset 712.

Third selective coupler 766, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 730of first planetary gearset 708 to planet carrier 754 of second planetarygearset 712. When third selective coupler 766 is disengaged, sun gear730 of first planetary gearset 708 may rotate relative to planet carrier754 of second planetary gearset 712.

Fourth selective coupler 768, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 720of first planetary gearset 708 to stationary member 706. When fourthselective coupler 768 is disengaged, sun gear 720 of first planetarygearset 708 may rotate relative to stationary member 706.

Fifth selective coupler 770, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 746of second planetary gearset 712 and planet carrier 734 of firstplanetary gearset 708 to stationary member 706. When fifth selectivecoupler 770 is disengaged, ring gear 746 of second planetary gearset 712and planet carrier 734 of first planetary gearset 708 may rotaterelative to stationary member 706.

Sixth selective coupler 772, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 754 of second planetary gearset 712 to stationary member 706.When sixth selective coupler 772 is disengaged, planet carrier 754 ofsecond planetary gearset 712 may rotate relative to stationary member706.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 762, secondselective coupler 764, third selective coupler 766, fourth selectivecoupler 768, fifth selective coupler 770, and sixth selective coupler772, additional components of multi-speed transmission 700 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 700 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 702 to outputmember 704 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Multi-speed transmission 700, like multi-speedtransmission 300, is able to provide the nine forward gears and onereverse gear illustrated in FIG. 4 through the selective engagement offirst selective coupler 762 (corresponds to first selective coupler 362in FIG. 4), second selective coupler 764 (corresponds to secondselective coupler 364 in FIG. 4), third selective coupler 766(corresponds to third selective coupler 366 in FIG. 4), fourth selectivecoupler 768 (corresponds to fourth selective coupler 368 in FIG. 4),fifth selective coupler 770 (corresponds to fifth selective coupler 370in FIG. 4), and sixth selective coupler 772 (corresponds to sixthselective coupler 372 in FIG. 4).

In the illustrated embodiments, various combinations of two of theavailable selective couplers are engaged for each of the illustratedforward speed ratios and reverse speed ratios. Additional forward speedratios and reverse speed ratios are possible based on other combinationsof engaged selective couplers. Although in the illustrated embodiments,each forward speed ratio and reverse speed ratio has two of theavailable selective couplers engaged, it is contemplated that more thantwo selective couplers may be engaged at the same time.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transmission comprising: at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member, each of the plurality of planetary gearsetsincluding a first gearset component, a second gearset component, and athird gearset component, the plurality of planetary gearsets including afirst planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetarygearset, and a fourth planetary gearset, the input member is fixedlycoupled to the first gearset component of the second planetary gearset;an output member operatively coupled to the input member through theplurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a first interconnector which fixedly couples thethird gearset component of the first planetary gearset to the thirdgearset component of the second planetary gearset; a secondinterconnector which fixedly couples the second gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset, the second gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the third gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset together; a third interconnector which fixedly couplesthe second gearset component of the third planetary gearset to thefourth planetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplersincluding a first number of clutches and a second number of brakes, thesecond number being greater than the first number, wherein the pluralityof planetary gearsets includes a plurality of minus planetary gearsetsand a plurality of plus planetary gearsets, the plurality of plusplanetary gearsets includes the second planetary gearset and the fourthplanetary gearset and the plurality of minus planetary gearsets includesthe first planetary gearset and the third planetary gearset.
 2. Thetransmission of claim 1, wherein the first gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset is a first sun gear, the first gearset componentof the second planetary gearset is a second sun gear, the first gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset is a third sun gear, the firstgearset component of the fourth planetary gearset is a fourth sun gear,the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset is a firstplanet carrier, the second gearset component of the second planetarygearset is a second planet carrier, the second gearset component of thethird planetary gearset is a third planet carrier, the second gearsetcomponent of the fourth planetary gearset is a fourth planet carrier,the third gearset component of the first planetary gearset is a firstring gear, the third gearset component of the second planetary gearsetis a second ring gear, the third gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset is a third ring gear, and the third gearset componentof the fourth planetary gearset is a fourth ring gear.
 3. Thetransmission of claim 2, wherein the third planetary gearset ispositioned between the second planetary gearset and the fourth planetarygearset.
 4. A transmission comprising: at least one stationary member;an input member rotatable relative to the at least one stationarymember; a plurality of planetary gearsets operatively coupled to theinput member, the plurality of planetary gearsets including a firstplanetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, and a third planetarygearset, each of the second planetary gearset and the third planetarygearset including a first gearset component, a second gearset component,and a third gearset component, the first planetary gearset including aplurality of first gearset components, a second gearset component, and athird gearset component, the input member is fixedly coupled to thefirst planetary gearset; an output member operatively coupled to theinput member through the plurality of planetary gearsets and rotatablerelative to the at least one stationary member; a first interconnectorwhich fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset to the third gearset component of the second planetarygearset, wherein the third gearset component of the second planetarygearset is a ring gear; a second interconnector which fixedly couplesthe second gearset component of the second planetary gearset to thethird planetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplers includinga first number of clutches and a second number of brakes, the secondnumber being greater than the first number.
 5. The transmission of claim4, wherein the input member is fixedly coupled to one of the pluralityof first gearset components of the first planetary gearset.
 6. Thetransmission of claim 4, wherein the first interconnector fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset tothe third gearset component of the second planetary gearset.
 7. Thetransmission of claim 6, wherein the first planetary gearset includes afirst one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset and a second one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset, the first one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset isfixedly coupled to one of the second number of brakes and the second oneof the plurality of first gearset components of the first planetarygearset is fixedly coupled to the input member.
 8. The transmission ofclaim 4, wherein the second interconnector fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset to the third gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset.
 9. The transmission of claim8, wherein the first planetary gearset includes a first one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset anda second one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset, the first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to one ofthe second number of brakes and the second one of the plurality of firstgearset components of the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled tothe input member.
 10. The transmission of claim 4, wherein the firstplanetary gearset includes a first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset and a second one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset,the first one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset is fixedly coupled to one of the second number ofbrakes and the second one of the plurality of first gearset componentsof the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the input member.11. The transmission of claim 10, wherein the plurality of selectivecouplers includes: a first selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the third gearset component of the first planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member; a second selectivecoupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset tothe first gearset component of the second planetary gearset and thefirst gearset component of the third planetary gearset; a thirdselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second one ofthe plurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearsetto the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset and tothe third gearset component of the third planetary gearset; a fourthselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the first one ofthe plurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearsetto the at least one stationary member; a fifth selective coupler which,when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset and the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; and a sixthselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset and the third gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember.
 12. The transmission of claim 11, wherein each of the pluralityof first gearset components of the first planetary gearset, the firstgearset component of the second planetary gearset, and the first gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset is a sun gears; each of thesecond gearset component of the first planetary gearset, the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset, and the secondgearset component of the third planetary gearset is a planet carrier;and each of the third gearset component of the first planetary gearset,the third gearset component of the second planetary gearset, and thethird gearset component of the third planetary gearset is a ring gear.13. The transmission of claim 12, wherein the at least one stationarymember includes a housing, the housing having a first end and a secondend, wherein the input member is accessible proximate the first end ofthe housing; the output member is accessible proximate the second end ofthe housing; the first planetary gearset is positioned between the firstend of the housing and the second planetary gearset; the secondplanetary gearset is positioned between the first planetary gearset andthe third planetary gearset; and the third planetary gearset ispositioned between the second planetary gearset and the second end ofthe housing.
 14. A transmission comprising: at least one stationarymember; an input member rotatable relative to the at least onestationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operatively coupledto the input member, the plurality of planetary gearsets including afirst planetary gearset including a plurality of first gearsetcomponents, a second gearset component, and a third gearset componentand a second planetary gearset including a first gearset component, asecond gearset component, and a plurality of third gearset components;an output member operatively coupled to the input member through theplurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; an interconnector which fixedly couples thesecond gearset component of the first planetary gearset to a first oneof the plurality of the third gearset components of the second planetarygearset; and a plurality of selective couplers including a first numberof clutches and a second number of brakes, the second number beinggreater than the first number, the output member is fixedly coupled to asecond one of the plurality of the third gearset components of thesecond planetary gearset and the input member is fixedly coupled to thefirst planetary gearset.
 15. The transmission of claim 14, wherein theinput member is fixedly coupled to one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset.
 16. The transmission of claim14, wherein the first planetary gearset includes a first one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset anda second one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset, the first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to one ofthe second number of brakes and the second one of the plurality of firstgearset components of the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled tothe input member.
 17. The transmission of claim 16, wherein theplurality of selective couplers includes: a first selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; a secondselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second one ofthe plurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearsetto the first gearset component of the second planetary gearset; a thirdselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second one ofthe plurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearsetto the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset; afourth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the firstone of the plurality of first gearset components of the first planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member; a fifth selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset and the first one of the plurality of thirdgearset components of the second planetary gearset to the at least onestationary member; and a sixth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the second gearset component of the second planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member.
 18. The transmission ofclaim 17, wherein each of the plurality of first gearset components ofthe first planetary gearset and the first gearset component of thesecond planetary gearset is a sun gear; each of the second gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset and the second gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset is a planet carrier; and eachof the third gearset component of the first planetary gearset and theplurality of third gearset components of the second planetary gearset isa ring gear.
 19. The transmission of claim 18, wherein the at least onestationary member includes a housing, the housing having a first end anda second end, wherein the input member is accessible proximate the firstend of the housing; the output member is accessible proximate the secondend of the housing; the first planetary gearset is positioned betweenthe first end of the housing and the second planetary gearset; and thesecond planetary gearset is positioned between the first planetarygearset and the second end of the housing.
 20. A transmissioncomprising: at least one stationary member; an input member rotatablerelative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality of planetarygearsets operatively coupled to the input member, the plurality ofplanetary gearsets including a first planetary gearset, a secondplanetary gearset, and a third planetary gearset, each of the firstplanetary gearset and the second planetary gearset including a firstgearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the third planetary gearset including a first gearsetcomponent, a second gearset component, and a plurality of third gearsetcomponents, the input member is fixedly coupled to the second planetarygearset; an output member operatively coupled to the input memberthrough the plurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative tothe at least one stationary member; a first interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset toa first one of the plurality of third gearset components of the thirdplanetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplers including: afirst selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the thirdgearset component of the first planetary gearset and the third gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember; a second selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe first gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the firstgearset component of the third planetary gearset; a third selectivecoupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearset componentof the second planetary gearset to the second gearset component of thethird planetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the first gearset component of the first planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member; a fifth selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset, the second gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the first one of the plurality of third gearsetcomponents of the third planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember; and a sixth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the third planetary gearset tothe at least one stationary member.
 21. The transmission of claim 20,wherein the output member is fixedly coupled to a second one of theplurality of third gearset components of the third planetary gearset.22. The transmission of claim 21, wherein each of the first gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset, the first gearset component ofthe second planetary gearset, and the first gearset component of thethird planetary gearset is a sun gear; each of the second gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset, the second gearset componentof the second planetary gearset, and the second gearset component of thethird planetary gearset is a planet carrier; and each of the thirdgearset component of the first planetary gearset, the third gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset, and the plurality of thirdgearset components of the third planetary gearset is a ring gear. 23.The transmission of claim 22, wherein the at least one stationary memberincludes a housing, the housing having a first end and a second end,wherein the input member is accessible proximate the first end of thehousing; the output member is accessible proximate the second end of thehousing; the first planetary gearset is positioned between the first endof the housing and the second planetary gearset; the second planetarygearset is positioned between the first planetary gearset and the thirdplanetary gearset; and the third planetary gearset is positioned betweenthe second planetary gearset and the second end of the housing.
 24. Atransmission comprising: at least one stationary member; an input memberrotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality ofplanetary gearsets operatively coupled to the input member, theplurality of planetary gearsets including a first planetary gearset, asecond planetary gearset, and a third planetary gearset, each of thesecond planetary gearset and the third planetary gearset including afirst gearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the first planetary gearset including a plurality of firstgearset components, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the input member is fixedly coupled to the first planetarygearset; an output member operatively coupled to the input memberthrough the plurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative tothe at least one stationary member; a first interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset tothe second planetary gearset; a second interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset tothe third planetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplersincluding a first number of clutches and a second number of brakes, thesecond number being greater than the first number, wherein the firstplanetary gearset includes a first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset and a second one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset,the first one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset is fixedly coupled to one of the second number ofbrakes and the second one of the plurality of first gearset componentsof the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the input memberand wherein the plurality of selective couplers includes: a firstselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember; a second selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe second one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset to the first gearset component of the second planetarygearset and the first gearset component of the third planetary gearset;a third selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples thesecond one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset to the second gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset and to the third gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember; a fifth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe second gearset component of the first planetary gearset and thethird gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the at leastone stationary member; and a sixth selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset and the third gearset component of the third planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member.
 25. The transmission ofclaim 24, wherein each of the plurality of first gearset components ofthe first planetary gearset, the first gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the first gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset is a sun gears; each of the second gearset componentof the first planetary gearset, the second gearset component of thesecond planetary gearset, and the second gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset is a planet carrier; and each of the third gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset, the third gearset component ofthe second planetary gearset, and the third gearset component of thethird planetary gearset is a ring gear.
 26. The transmission of claim25, wherein the at least one stationary member includes a housing, thehousing having a first end and a second end, wherein the input member isaccessible proximate the first end of the housing; the output member isaccessible proximate the second end of the housing; the first planetarygearset is positioned between the first end of the housing and thesecond planetary gearset; the second planetary gearset is positionedbetween the first planetary gearset and the third planetary gearset; andthe third planetary gearset is positioned between the second planetarygearset and the second end of the housing.
 27. A transmissioncomprising: at least one stationary member; an input member rotatablerelative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality of planetarygearsets operatively coupled to the input member, the plurality ofplanetary gearsets including a first planetary gearset, a secondplanetary gearset, and a third planetary gearset, each of the secondplanetary gearset and the third planetary gearset including a firstgearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the first planetary gearset including a plurality of firstgearset components, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the input member is fixedly coupled to the first planetarygearset; an output member operatively coupled to the input memberthrough the plurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative tothe at least one stationary member; a first interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset tothe second planetary gearset; a second interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset tothe third planetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplersincluding a first number of clutches and a second number of brakes, thesecond number being greater than the first number, wherein the firstplanetary gearset includes a first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset and a second one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset,the first one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset is fixedly coupled to one of the second number ofbrakes and the second one of the plurality of first gearset componentsof the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the input memberand wherein the plurality of selective couplers includes: a firstselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second one ofthe plurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearsetto the first gearset component of the second planetary gearset and thefirst gearset component of the third planetary gearset.
 28. Thetransmission of claim 27, wherein the plurality of selective couplersfurther includes a second selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedlycouples the second one of the plurality of first gearset components ofthe first planetary gearset to the second gearset component of thesecond planetary gearset and to the third gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset.
 29. The transmission of claim 28, wherein theplurality of selective couplers further includes a third selectivecoupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset and the third gearset componentof the second planetary gearset to the at least one stationary member.30. The transmission of claim 27, wherein the plurality of selectivecouplers further includes a second selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset and the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member.
 31. Atransmission comprising: at least one stationary member; an input memberrotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality ofplanetary gearsets operatively coupled to the input member, theplurality of planetary gearsets including a first planetary gearset, asecond planetary gearset, and a third planetary gearset, each of thesecond planetary gearset and the third planetary gearset including afirst gearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the first planetary gearset including a plurality of firstgearset components, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent, the input member is fixedly coupled to the first planetarygearset; an output member operatively coupled to the input memberthrough the plurality of planetary gearsets and rotatable relative tothe at least one stationary member; a first interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset tothe second planetary gearset; a second interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset tothe third planetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplersincluding a first number of clutches and a second number of brakes, thesecond number being greater than the first number, wherein the firstplanetary gearset includes a first one of the plurality of first gearsetcomponents of the first planetary gearset and a second one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset,the first one of the plurality of first gearset components of the firstplanetary gearset is fixedly coupled to one of the second number ofbrakes and the second one of the plurality of first gearset componentsof the first planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the input memberand wherein the plurality of selective couplers includes: a firstselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second one ofthe plurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearsetto the second gearset component of the second planetary gearset and tothe third gearset component of the third planetary gearset.
 32. Thetransmission of claim 31, wherein the plurality of selective couplersfurther includes a second selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset andthe third gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the atleast one stationary member.
 33. A transmission comprising: at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member, the plurality of planetary gearsetsincluding a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, and athird planetary gearset, each of the second planetary gearset and thethird planetary gearset including a first gearset component, a secondgearset component, and a third gearset component, the first planetarygearset including a plurality of first gearset components, a secondgearset component, and a third gearset component, the input member isfixedly coupled to the first planetary gearset; an output memberoperatively coupled to the input member through the plurality ofplanetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at least one stationarymember; a first interconnector which fixedly couples the second gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the second planetarygearset; a second interconnector which fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the second planetary gearset to the third planetarygearset; and a plurality of selective couplers including a first numberof clutches and a second number of brakes, the second number beinggreater than the first number, wherein the first planetary gearsetincludes a first one of the plurality of first gearset components of thefirst planetary gearset and a second one of the plurality of firstgearset components of the first planetary gearset, the first one of theplurality of first gearset components of the first planetary gearset isfixedly coupled to one of the second number of brakes and the second oneof the plurality of first gearset components of the first planetarygearset is fixedly coupled to the input member and wherein the pluralityof selective couplers includes: a first selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset and the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member.